what is an architectural technologist?
A career as an architectural technologist allows you to combine your interests in technology with building design. Your work entails bringing out the aesthetics of architecture using logical technology elements to create a functional building design. You support building projects by using your technical expertise to develop technical design elements.
Aside from developing the technical design, you work on a construction project to its completion. You decide the right technology, materials and processes necessary for the best performance of the building. You support other professionals in the construction industry and ensure the project meets the clients' requirements and intended functionality. Whether it is a residential building or a huge sports stadium, you monitor every aspect of construction to ensure suitable materials and best practices are used.
what does an architectural technologist do?
As a chartered architectural technologist, you monitor a project from start to finish. Once the building is in use, you need to conduct a survey and get feedback from the users on the functionality of the building and the maintenance required.
As an architectural technologist, you work for construction or engineering companies, private and government entities in charge of infrastructure projects or architectural consultancy firms. Some architectural technologists also work independently on short-term contracts or as consultants.
Would working as an architectural technologist suit your interest and passion for technology and architecture? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an architectural technologist role.
average salary of an architectural technologist
According to National Careers, the average salary of an architectural technologists ranges from £20,000 to £60,000 per year. Entry-level positions often attract lower wages due to minimal work experience and transferable skills required. As you increase your experience and gain more qualifications, your compensation package reflects the additional responsibilities you handle.
Architectural technologists enjoy various benefits, including medical insurance and transport allowance. You are eligible for paid holiday time and bonuses for successful project completions.
how to increase your salary as an architectural technologist
As an architectural technologist, your salary depends on various factors. For instance, working for big organisations attracts different wages from smaller companies. Most large companies handle complex projects, which demands additional qualifications. Hence, the compensation package will reflect the projects' complexity and your capabilities. Smaller companies have limited resources and cannot afford to pay high salaries. Private sector companies also pay better compared to government entities.
Your location determines your earning potential. For instance, companies in large cities often pay more than small towns since the salary relies on the cost of living and demand for the services. Large cities have a high cost of living, and the demand for an architectural technologist is higher than in small towns.
types of architectural technologists
The types of architectural technologists depend on the construction projects they work on, including:
- residential architectural technologist: as an architectural technologist working on residential projects, you collaborate with homeowners and architects to prepare the technical designs for custom homes. You are in charge of determining the spatial and functional requirements for layouts. You also decide the materials needed and project timelines.
- commercial architectural technologist: your work is to create technical designs for large projects for manufacturing plants or the government. Your job entails working on public buildings like museums, hotels and libraries. You bring out the aesthetic designs of architects to ensure the buildings appeal to the masses.
- restoration architectural technologist: you don't always work on new projects as an architectural technologist. Sometimes, you are involved in restoring historic buildings and maintaining ancient properties. Your work is to assist architects in preserving historic buildings and ensuring structural integrity.
working as an architectural technologist
Becoming an architectural technologist is an exciting career with various job prospects. Read on to discover the daily routines and responsibilities of architectural technologists.
-
architectural technologist job description
Some of the responsibilities to expect as an architectural technologist include:
- designing and drafting: as an architectural technologist, you draft plans for building designs and use plans from the architect to develop a workable guideline for a project. You can use computer-aided solutions to incorporate technical details into the existing plans.
- managing projects: when you are a chartered architectural technologist, you are qualified to handle a construction project from inception to the end. You can act as a consultant for the contractor or oversee each stage directly.
- picking suitable materials: as an architectural technologist, you use your expertise to choose the appropriate material for a project. For instance, you can identify the best sustainable materials when constructing sustainable buildings. Sometimes, you have to leverage technological tools to calculate the number of materials you need for a project.
- site evaluation and inspection: before a building project commences, architectural technologists evaluate the proposed site to evaluate its suitability. Your job is to use technical tools to assess if the site is viable and safe for the construction project. When construction work commences, you also conduct site inspections to evaluate progress and ensure the construction crew adheres to the plans.
- facilitating legal processes and risk assessment: as an architectural technologist, you secure the necessary permissions and contracts for building projects. You also need to apply building codes and legal rules during drafting. You should conduct a risk assessment of the project and identify potential hazards.
-
work environment
As an architectural technologist, your work is primarily office-based since you have to develop design plans using technology tools. Sometimes, you visit clients to clarify their requirements before drafting the final plans. During the site inspection, you spend most of the day outdoors studying the proposed site and developing ways to improve the plans based on your findings. When construction commences, you have to visit the site to supervise the building's progress. Outdoor activities often involve working in all weather conditions. You also need a helmet in construction sites and protective shoes.
-
who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues might include architects, CAD technicians and site engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to building and construction specialists, as well as other professionals that could include surveyors, planners and design managers.
-
work schedule
As an architectural technologist, you work the regular 9 am to 5 pm work hours from Monday to Friday. Your work hours range from 43 to 45 hours a week, and sometimes you work weekends or evenings. Most projects have timelines, and you have to work extra hours when deadlines are approaching. Architectural technologist positions are available full-time, and part-time positions are rare. Occasionally, short-term contracts and freelance opportunities are available. The job also involves travelling when visiting clients or construction sites.
-
job outlook
Architectural technologists have promising career prospects and numerous opportunities for career growth. After two years of work experience, you can apply for a chartered membership to become a chartered architectural technologist. Alternatively, improve your educational qualifications and become an architect or take up a managerial position in construction like a project manager or construction manager. When you hone your skills and have extensive experience, you can become a consultant or lecturer in colleges and universities.
-
advantages of finding an architectural technologist job through randstad
Finding your architectural technologist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an architectural technologist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
To become an architectural technologist, you need the following educational qualifications and skills:
- university degree or college: architectural technologists undertake a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or a bachelor's degree. You can get a degree or HND in construction or architectural technology accredited by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT). Most courses include an internship or industry placement to gain practical experience. The entry requirements for a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree are 1 or 2 A Levels, while a bachelor's degree requires 2 or 3 A Levels.
- apprenticeship: an apprenticeship approved by CIAT gives you relevant work experience and knowledge as an architectural technologist. Some of the apprenticeships include digital engineering technicians and construction design and build technicians. You need 5 GCSEs for an advanced apprenticeship or higher degree apprenticeship.
- certifications and work experience: when you complete a course and have a few years of experience, you can apply for associate membership with CIAT if you meet the professional qualifications to receive a chartered status.
skills and competencies
To become a successful architectural technologist, you need the following skills and competencies:
- communication skills: as an architectural technologist, you collaborate with a team of architects and various professionals that contribute to construction projects. It is vital to communicate your ideas clearly and assist other team members with their roles.
- problem-solving skills: as an architectural technologist, you need problem-solving skills to help you deal with issues that arise during construction. When the construction work doesn't match the design, you can not deliver the best without creative problem-solving skills.
- an aptitude for technology: as the person in charge of technology in building design, you need technical know-how to help you develop technical designs. Your aptitude for technology enables you to use architectural software and other tools to build the best designs.
- Interpersonal skills: as an architectural technologist, you work alongside various construction workers, ensuring everyone is working toward the same goals. You need good communication and interpersonal skills to listen to everyone's ideas and motivate the team towards accomplishing the project.
FAQs
FAQs about working as an architectural technologist
-
what is the difference between an architect and an architectural technologist?
An architect focuses on the spatial and aesthetic beauty of a building during design. An architectural technologist focuses on the technical aspects that improve the functionality of a building.
-
what does an architectural technologist make?
An architectural technologist creates all the technical specifications of a building. They also provide a detailed guideline of the techniques and materials used during construction.
-
can an architectural technologist design a house?
While architectural technologists produce construction designs and specifications, you need an architect to design a home.
-
are architectural technologists in demand?
Architectural technologists are in high demand due to their expertise in technical design. The increased adoption of CAD also makes them highly sought after.
-
what qualifications do you need to be an architectural technologist?
To become an architectural technologist, you need a degree or a Higher National Diploma in architectural technology. An apprenticeship can also get you an entry-level position.
-
how do I apply for an architectural technologist vacancy?
Applying for an architectural technologist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
